It can cause acute pain, limited range of motion, and even chronic disability. Unfortunately, many are unaware of the risk factors it represents, and insurers, at-fault drivers, and others may try to minimize the severity of their injuries. It's a common misconception that whiplash is always a minor injury. Whiplash can have different levels of severity, including a serious personal injury with long-term disabilities.
Whiplash occurs when an accident abruptly hits the head and neck back and forth, damaging the soft tissues of the neck. Whiplash can be an incredibly serious injury with symptoms such as chronic pain and immobility. If you suffered a whiplash injury in a car accident or other incident, contact an attorney to file an injury lawsuit. Whiplash claims are often complicated, as these injuries are often difficult to prove.
Whiplash can cause permanent damage to soft tissue, such as muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Because of this possibility of serious injury, many people seek compensation to cover the long-term costs associated with whiplash injuries. If you've suffered a whiplash or found out that you have one, it's important to know what to do after a whiplash injury in a car accident and how you can receive compensation for your injuries. To know how to file a claim for a whiplash injury, it's critical that you read all the information you received from your adjuster and follow the advice of a lawyer who specializes in whiplash injuries.
The severity of a whiplash injury can vary widely, and somepeople may experience more severe symptoms than others. In general, thesymptoms of a whiplash injury can be mild to moderate, and most people willrecover fully with appropriate treatment. However, in some cases, the symptomsof a whiplash injury can be more severe and may last for a longer period oftime.
If you have experienced a neck injury or are experiencingsymptoms of a whiplash injury, it is important to see a healthcare provider forevaluation and treatment. The healthcare provider can assess your condition andrecommend appropriate treatment, which may include medications, physicaltherapy, or other forms of care.
If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms aftera whiplash injury, it is important to see a healthcare provider as soon aspossible. These symptoms may include:
- Severe neck pain or stiffness
- Headaches
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
- Blurred vision
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
- Difficulty sleeping
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it isimportant to seek medical attention to determine the cause and receiveappropriate treatment.
Is Whiplash Seen On MRI?
Whiplash injuries are typically diagnosed based on acombination of the patient's medical history, physical examination, and imagingstudies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of imaging study that canbe used to visualize the soft tissues of the body, including the muscles andligaments. An MRI can be helpful in identifying injuries to the muscles andligaments of the neck that may have occurred as a result of a whiplash injury.
However, it is important to note that an MRI may not alwaysshow evidence of a whiplash injury. This is because the damage from a whiplashinjury may be subtle and may not always be visible on an MRI. In some cases,other imaging studies, such as x-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans, may bemore useful in evaluating a suspected whiplash injury.
The symptoms of a whiplash injury may develop and changeover time, and the specific stages of recovery can vary from person to person.However, some common stages of recovery after a whiplash injury may include:
- Acute stage: This stage typically occurs immediately afterthe injury and can last for a few days to a few weeks. Symptoms during thisstage may include neck pain, stiffness, and tenderness, as well as headaches,dizziness, and fatigue.
- Subacute stage: This stage typically occurs a few weeks to afew months after the injury. Symptoms during this stage may include continuedneck pain and stiffness, as well as difficulty with normal daily activities andreduced range of motion in the neck.
- Chronic stage: This stage may occur if the symptoms of theinjury persist beyond a few months. Symptoms during this stage may includepersistent neck pain and stiffness, as well as decreased strength and endurancein the neck muscles.
Whiplash-associated disorder (WAD) is the term given for thecollection of symptoms affecting the neck that are triggered by an accidentwith an acceleration–deceleration mechanism such as a motor vehicle accident.The Quebec Task Force classifies patients with whiplash, based on the severityof signs and symptoms, as follows:
- Grade 0: No complaints about the neck. No physical sign(s).
- Grade I: Neck complaint of pain, stiffness or tendernessonly. No physical sign(s)
- Grade II: Neck complaint AND musculoskeletal sign(s).Musculoskeletal signs include decreased range of motion and point tenderness.
- Grade III: Neck complaint AND neurological sign(s).Neurological signs include decreased range of motion and point tenderness.
- Grade IV: Neck complaint AND fracture or dislocation.
* https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4753964/
How Long Should I Be Off Work For Whiplash?
The length of time that you should be off work after awhiplash injury will depend on the severity of your injury and your ability toperform your job duties. Some people may be able to return to work within a fewdays of a whiplash injury, while others may need to take a longer period oftime off work to recover.
What Should You Not Do After Whiplash?
After a whiplash injury, it is generally recommended toavoid activities that may worsen your symptoms or increase the risk of furtherinjury. Some specific things to avoid after a whiplash injury include:
- Avoid strenuous activities: It is generally recommended toavoid activities that require significant neck movement or strain, such asheavy lifting or vigorous exercise, until your symptoms have improved.
- Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: Prolonged sitting orstanding in the same position can strain the neck muscles and worsen yoursymptoms. It is generally recommended to take frequent breaks and to changepositions regularly to avoid stressing the neck muscles.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach: Sleeping on your stomach cancause strain on the neck muscles, which can worsen your symptoms. It isgenerally recommended to sleep on your back or side after a whiplash injury.
- Avoid activities that may cause additional injury: It isimportant to take precautions to avoid activities that may cause additionalinjury to your neck, such as contact sports or high-risk activities.
It is important to follow the recommendations of yourhealthcare provider after a whiplash injury. They can provide specific guidanceon what activities you should avoid and when it is safe to resume your normalactivities.
